Intraoperative transcranial doppler ultrasound in head and neck surgery: A preliminary report

• Published in: American journal of otolaryngology Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 223 - 227
• Main Authors: Nosan, David K., Gomez, Camilo R., Boyd, James H., Boone, Karen E., Maves, Michael D.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.07.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Cerebrovascular Disorders - etiology; Cerebrovascular Disorders - prevention & control; Ent, orbit; Female; Humans; Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis - complications; Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis - diagnostic imaging; Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis - etiology; Intraoperative Care; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Monitoring, Physiologic; Neck Dissection - adverse effects; Pilot Projects; Ultrasonic investigative techniques; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial; Sonography; Doppler ultrasound study; Human; Postoperative; Nervous system diseases; Stroke; Cerebral embolism; Cardiovascular disease; Exploration; Intraoperative; Cerebral disorder; Vascular disease; Transcranial route; Surgery; Central nervous system disease; Head and neck; Cerebrovascular disease
• ISSN: 0196-0709; 1532-818X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0196-0709(98)90121-1

Purpose: To evaluate the possible role of intraoperative cerebral emboli in the origin of perioperative stroke during major head and neck surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients undergoing major head and neck surgery that involved direct manipulation of the carotid sheath were the participants in this study. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound was used intraoperatively to detect possible cerebral emboli. The presence or absence of intraoperative cerebral emboli in each patient was assessed by the presence or absence of typical embolic signal patterns within the TCD waveform. Results: No intraoperative cerebral emboli were noted in the series, nor did any patient have a postoperative stroke. Conclusions: No intraoperative cerebral emboli were noted by using TCD ultrasound for embolus monitoring in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery involving carotid sheath manipulation. This detection system is easily used in appropriate head and neck cases and allows real-time, noninvasive intraoperative monitoring.